Turn Off the Water Sources

Shut Off the Main Water Valve

The first step to installing a kitchen faucet is to shut off the main water valve. You want to avoid any water running through the pipes while you are working. The main water valve is typically located in the basement, utility room, garage, or outside of the home. When you locate the main water valve, make sure to turn it off completely by turning the handle clockwise until it will no longer turn. If the valve has a lever, make sure to push it down completely.

Turn Off the Hot and Cold Water Valves

Once the main water valve is shut off, you will need to turn off the hot and cold water valves. These valves are typically located under the kitchen sink and will be connected to the hot and cold water lines. Depending on the type of valves you have, they may have a handle or a knob that needs to be turned off completely.

Remove the Old Faucet

Disconnect the Water Lines

Once the valves are shut off, disconnect the water lines from the old faucet with a pair of pliers. At this point, you can also remove any other fixtures or accessories that are attached to the faucet, like a sprayer, soap dispenser, etc. Make sure to keep track of the screws, nuts, and bolts that you remove, as you’ll need them to install the new faucet.

Unscrew the Faucet

Once all the water lines and accessories are disconnected, you’ll need to unscrew the faucet from the sink. This is usually done with a nut that is located on the underside of the sink. If you have difficulty accessing the nut, you may need to use a faucet wrench to help loosen it. Once the nut is loose, you can carefully unscrew the faucet, using a pair of pliers if you need help loosening it.

Clean out Debris

Once the faucet is removed, you can clean out the sink of any debris or sealant that may have been left behind. At this point, you should also check the sink for any cracks or damage that may need to be repaired before installing the new faucet. You wouldn’t want to skip this step and go through all this work, just to end up with a leaky faucet. Finally, you can remove any old gaskets or seals that may have been used to seal the old faucet. Make sure to clean out the holes in the sink to ensure that the new faucet will be properly sealed.

Install the New Faucet

Attach the Faucet

When choosing a new faucet, consider how you use your kitchen and what design aesthetic suits the space best. Look at shape, silhouettes, scale, finishes, pot fillers, full down hoses and smart touch technology. Established faucet manufacturers usually offer better quality products with warranties than their lesser-known counterparts. We suggest matching the style of your new faucet to the other hardware in your kitchen. 

To attach the faucet, place the new faucet into the sink and secure it with the mounting nut. Tighten the nut with a wrench to ensure a secure fit. If needed, you can use plumber's putty or sealant to create a watertight seal around the faucet.

Connect the Water Lines

Next, unscrew the old water lines and attach the new ones to the faucet. Make sure to use the right fittings and tighten them securely. If there is a sprayer head, you will also need to attach a water line to it. Once all the water lines are attached, turn on the valves to make sure the faucet is getting water.

Install the Handle

The last step in the process of installing a kitchen faucet is installing the handle. This is the part of the faucet that you will use to control the water flow and temperature. To do this, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. Start by unscrewing the handle from the top of the faucet, then carefully remove any old gasket material that may be stuck to the handle. Next, take the new handle and slide it onto the faucet, making sure that it is flush with the surface. Secure the handle in place by tightening the screws with your screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. Finally, make sure that the handle is secure and that it is not loose or wobbly.

Test the Faucet

Once the faucet is installed and the water lines are connected, you can test the faucet to make sure it is working properly. Run the faucet for a few minutes to see if there are any leaks. If you do spot one, tighten the fittings or use plumber's putty or sealant to create a watertight seal. Then, turn on the water valves and check the hot and cold water to make sure they are operating correctly.

Conclusion

Before you put away your toolkit, run a final check and make sure everything is tightened securely. If you are still having trouble getting the faucet to work correctly, you may need to call a professional plumber. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and make sure your new faucet is installed correctly. Otherwise, you can applaud yourself for a job well done!

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